rocks in the head

This is a discussion on rocks in the head within the Beginner Freshwater Aquarium forums, part of the Freshwater Fish and Aquariums category; -->
Well, since the ground isn't frozen anymore, I can start the rock hunt. I've mostly just found bad rocks, they are either full of ...

Well, since the ground isn't frozen anymore, I can start the rock hunt. I've mostly just found bad rocks, they are either full of rust or this yellow color with tons of pits on them. I'm guessing I should just stay away from the rocks that have rust and that fall apart?

Thanks, I never boil my rocks but I do soak them and scrub them for awhile, just never found a safe looking one.
I found a jade colored rock and I really wanted to use it but after looking closer I could see metal on the surface as well.

What is commonly called "river rock" is usually OK. You can collect these in a stream or river, provided it is not illegal to do so where you live. Or you can often buy them (very cheaply) at landscape or quarry places. They are smooth rocks, having been worn down by the water over years and years, and are usually thus safe after you just rinse them off with a scrub brush under hot water. Try to gets rocks that match in colouration, as they will look more natural. You can arrange these unevenly to replicate a stream bed. I got a pail (3g) of such rocks for 75 cents, and then used the best ones to build my river habitat. Photo attached when the tank was first setup; you can hardly see the rocks for the wood and plants now. Also a pic of an older tank where i did the rock grouping differently, mainly in the right half with the rocks close together.